for·mu·late \-ˌlāt, usu -ād.+V\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology:formula + -ate 1. a.: to reduce to or express in or as if in a formula : put into a systematized statement or expression b.: to plan out in orderly fashion : devise < formulating expedients to meet the emergency > 2. a.: to develop a formula for the preparation of (as a soap or a plastic) : standardize by formula b.: to make or prepare in accord with a formula